Tuesday, 18 February 2025 11:25

Farmer vote

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: The coalition Government, already under the pump thanks to poor polling numbers, is facing the ire of its traditional support base – dairy and red meat farmers.

It’s all to do with plans outlined by the Government to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Some farmers – including the firebrand lobby Groundswell – are spitting tacks over Climate Change Minister Simon Watts’ announcement that New Zealand will reduce emissions by 51 to 55% compared to 2005 levels, by 2035.

Sensing the mood among farmers, the ACT Party sent out a message to farmers saying, “We’ve heard you”.

ACT says it is determined not to sacrifice farmers and growers at the altar of the climate gods.

Can National afford to lose the farmer vote?

More like this

Free speech

Free speech

OPINION: The Free Speech Union is taking this one too far.

Drug survey

Drug survey

OPINION: New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), a leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) use is growing and making up a disproportionate share of nonnegative workplace drug test results.

Genuine Hipkins

OPINION: At the recent NZ Dairy Industry Awards, opposition leader Chris Hipkins made a surprise appearance.

Unserious greens

OPINION: The Greens aren't serious people when it comes to the economy, so let's not spend too much on their fiscal fantasies.

Groundswell NZ ramps up ‘Quit Paris’ campaign against climate accord

Groundswell NZ is ramping up its ‘Quit Paris’ campaign.

Popular Reads

25 years on - where are they now?

To celebrate 25 years of the Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship, Ravensdown caught up with past recipients to see where their…

Ngāi Tahu freshwater case could reshape farming and rural communities

Ngai Tahu's legal action seeking self-determination (rangatiratanga) over fresh water could have huge implications for the future of farming, the…

Taranaki dairy farms saved by $10/kgMS payout

Only this season’s $10/kgMS bumper payout has saved some dairy farms along the Taranaki coast from absolute disaster due to…

Farmers Advised to Look Beyond Palm Kernel Price When Buying Supplementary Feed

When buying supplementary feeds, farmers need to consider the entire package on offer – service, freight and all the components…

Farmers reject ruminant methane strategy

According to a new farmer survey, many farmers are rejecting New Zealand’s current ruminant methane strategy.

Featured

Massey University returns to Fieldays showcasing future-focused agricultural innovation

Massey University is returning to the Fieldays with a future-focused, solution-driven theme, showcasing research that delivers practical advancements in agricultural efficiency, sustainability and longevity.

Fieldays team set to deliver an exciting four-day event

Newly appointed National Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos says his team is ready, excited and looking forward to delivering the four-day event next month.

Rabobank Ag Pathways Programme trains NZ farmers in business skills

More than 70 farmers from across the North and South Islands recently spent a dayand- a-half learning new business management and planning skills at Rabobank Ag Pathways Programmes held in Invercargill, Ashburton and Hawera.

Digital 'SOS' billboards take farmers' message to the Beehive

Government ministers cannot miss the ‘SOS’ – save our sheep call - from New Zealand farmers.

Tax expert hails 20% deduction as golden opportunity for agribusiness investment

A tax advisory specialist is hailing a 20% tax deduction to spur business asset purchases as a golden opportunity for agribusiness.

Sheep and beef farmers approve FMD readiness agreement with government

Sheep and beef farmers have voted to approve Beef + Lamb New Zealand signing an operational agreement between the agricultural sector and the Government on foot and mouth disease readiness and response.

National

No regrets choosing cows over boardroom

Winning the 2025 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year still hasn't sunk in for Thomas and Fiona Langford.

Taranaki farmers face uncertain outlook despite grass growth after drought

The grass may be growing again in the drought-stricken coastal area of Taranaki, but the outlook for many farmers there…

Doctors and rural women welcome pre-Budget boost for urgent and after-hours care

Doctors and rural women are welcoming the recent pre-budget announcement from the Government that it would be boosting funding to…

DairyNZ Farmers Forum underway

Over 300 farmers and rural professionals have gathered in Hamilton for the first DairyNZ Farmers Forum for this year.

MPI ramps up farm visits and advice ahead of 2025 winter grazing season

Winter grazing is looming again and the Ministry for Primary Industries says it's going to increase proactive farm visits and…

Machinery & Products

Shearing legend hooked on CanAm

Sir David Fagan, world-renowned competitive sheep shearer with 642 shearing titles worldwide and a knighthood to his name, now runs…

Advanced seeding technology on show

Available as part of the Lemken portfolio, a leading name in advanced seeding technology, Equalizer, sees its CII 8/762N Planter…

50 years of tractor pull

This year, the Fieldays Tractor Pull, in association with PTS Logistics, mark a major milestone – 50 years of crowd-thrilling…

New design Claas tractors set for Fieldays debut

Well known for its dominance in the harvesting arena, Claas has channelled its engineering excellence and a deep knowledge of…

The Wrangler's birthday bash

It's the Wrangler Limited’s 30th birthday and to celebrate the milestone a prototype of the E Series Wrangler - a…

» Latest Print Issues Online

dairynewscover

ruralnewscover

winegrowercover

Milking It

Free speech

OPINION: The Free Speech Union is taking this one too far.

Drug survey

OPINION: New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), a leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) use is…

» eNewsletter